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Can Gabapentin Be Taken Along With Aptiom Post Levetiracetam Discontinuation?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016
Question: I have a seizure disorder and was takeing gabapentin 400mg three times daily. now I am takeing aptiom 800mg in the morning and levetiracetam 500mg twice a day. I may run out of levetiracetam before I get my refill by mail. can I take the gabapentin for a few days and should I drop the aptiom and go to my original routine of 2 gabapentin three times a day?
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Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Continue aptiom and no need to switch medicines

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, since you have shifted on levetiracetam and aptiom and seizures are controlled on these so shifting back to gaba pentins isn't advisable as it takes various drug doses to reach to certain therapeutic levels of that drug in the blood and that way anti convulsants or anti epileptic drugs work.

I would suggest you to continue aptiom until levetiracetam arrives too, and no need to switch to gaba pentins. Some sub therapeutic levels of levetiracetam may persist even.after missing few doses. But if any suspected seizure is experienced get a medical facility review as soon as possible rather than trying your own drug regimens.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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Can Gabapentin Be Taken Along With Aptiom Post Levetiracetam Discontinuation?

Brief Answer: Continue aptiom and no need to switch medicines Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, since you have shifted on levetiracetam and aptiom and seizures are controlled on these so shifting back to gaba pentins isn't advisable as it takes various drug doses to reach to certain therapeutic levels of that drug in the blood and that way anti convulsants or anti epileptic drugs work. I would suggest you to continue aptiom until levetiracetam arrives too, and no need to switch to gaba pentins. Some sub therapeutic levels of levetiracetam may persist even.after missing few doses. But if any suspected seizure is experienced get a medical facility review as soon as possible rather than trying your own drug regimens. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.